Tag Archives: religion

Would Jesus say: “Religion forgot Me for monotony.”

Posted on February 3, 2018 by Steve Simms

Christians often meet like robots–tightly programmed and controlled. Christians need to be allowed to freely express Christ, not just to contain Him locked down in their hearts. After all, it’s hard to be a passive lump on a church pew when … Continue reading →

Posted in audience, audience of One, Bible, church programming, church programs, ecclesia, ecclesiastical, ecclesiological, ecclesiology, ekklesia, fire in church, fire in the heart, inner Light, let your light shine, light, light of Christ, ministry, ministry of the Spirit, spiritual fire, Uncategorized, work of the ministry | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Jesus said “Follow Me,” not “Follow a 501c3!”

Posted on January 28, 2018 by Steve Simms

Christian disciples turn the world upside down; but religious adherents are often swept along with the world’s viewpoints. Jesus said: “Follow Me!” Not: “Follow a 501c3.” The risen Jesus lives inside of all His followers, so He doesn’t need a hierarchy … Continue reading →

Posted in apest, body of Christ, Christian organizations, church history, church movements, church organization, institutional church, Jesus Movement, Let the redeemed of the Lord, organizational chart, persecution, reform movements, religious persecution, spiritual life, spiritual movement, transformation movements, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Religion — a track for God to run on?

Posted on December 30, 2017 by Steve Simms

Church sometimes seems like going to a restaurant to hear a talk about food and then thinking we’ve been fed. Too many Christians have been taught that their primary role in the body of Christ is to sit and listen to … Continue reading →

Posted in body of Christ, frozen, how the body of Christ functions, religious ceremonies, spectators, Uncategorized, unprogrammed, unprogrammed church, unprogrammed meeting | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Exchanging the love of power for the power of love!

Posted on December 21, 2017 by Steve Simms

Religion is based on programmed meetings about God. Christianity is based on authentic experiences with the risen Jesus. The kingdom of God is about letting the living God be the leader, instead of human leadership. God’s order isn’t about human … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior modification, Christ the Head of the church, Christian community, Christian leadership, Christian organizations, church leadership, community, control in church, Crazy Love, discipleship, Emmanuel, Head of the church, hierarchy, humility, leadership, love, mystery, organization, oxymoron, servant leadership, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Where to find heart connections

Posted on September 23, 2017 by Steve Simms

Heart connections change lives. Are they encouraged anywhere besides funeral homes & support groups? Yes, in ekklesia! Ekklesia isn’t another word for church. It’s a very different way for Christians to meet together. Some people want to argue about the … Continue reading →

Posted in Beyond Church, Bible, book, Christian Denominations, church program, denominations, from the heart, heart-felt, organization, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Christ’s presence outshines religion

Posted on September 8, 2017 by Steve Simms

Some people think that God only works through religion. Nothing could be further from the truth. Jesus is the Way, however, sometimes religion can block His way.   Religious programming can unintentionally crowd the presence of Christ out of church. In church … Continue reading →

Posted in awe, awe of God, Bible, filled with awe, priesthood of the believer, religious ceremonies, religious tradition, revival, spiritual growth, tradition, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Movin’ beyond mountains of sermons

Posted on September 6, 2017 by Steve Simms

Do you ever take the time to ask, “Who or what am I following?” A lot of people talk about Christianity. What’s rare is to follow the risen Jesus wherever He leads. If you’re not looking for the living Jesus, you … Continue reading →

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Religious demands or changed hearts?

Posted on September 2, 2017 by Steve Simms

Heaven’s open to all who follow Jesus. Perhaps the mic in church could be too. Christ did urge me to look beyond the clergy. (Acts 17:11) Pharisees make religious demands. The living Jesus changes human hearts! Religious rules and information without … Continue reading →

Posted in 1 Corinthians 14:26, book of Acts, Catherine Booth, ekklesia, Follow Me, Jesus is the way, open mic, preaching, Quotes, spiritual fire, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

95 Theses 4 Reformation #3 (& other thoughts)

Posted on August 8, 2017 by Steve Simms

95 Theses 4 Reformation #3: Let people interrupt as led by the Spirit, according to 1 Corinthians 14:30-31. Here are a few more thoughts to inspire reformation: Open sharing in church can help reach people who want interactive community, mutual … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Christian Denominations, Christian support group, church, God, Let the redeemed of the Lord, miracles, revelation, support groups, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Preachers interesting & ordinary people boring?

Posted on June 15, 2017 by Steve Simms

Church acts like preachers are interesting & ordinary people are boring. (It could be the opposite.) Protestants made church a classroom. Perhaps church would be more effective as a prayer closet! The body of Christ is a team ministering together; … Continue reading →

Posted in Beyond Church, church reform, church refugees, ekklesia, house church, preachers, simple church, social media, testimony, Uncategorized, unprogrammed church, unprogrammed meetings | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment